Rangers after catcher J.P. Arencibia

The Texas Rangers are negotiating with free-agent catcher J.P. Arencibia on a deal that would make him the team's backup catcher, a source confirmed late Thursday.

Arencibia, who turns 28 in January, was nontendered by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week, becoming a free agent. The Rangers had expressed interest in Arencibia even before he was nontendered, liking his power.

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In 2013, Arencibia hit just .194 and posted a .227 on-base percentage, which would have been the lowest in the majors had he qualified. Despite the low average, Arencibia still managed 21 homers (second among all catchers) and 55 RBIs.

Perhaps going to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington could help the right-handed hitter's power numbers even more. Arencibia struck out 148 times and walked just 18 times. But the power has been fairly consistent. He's averaged 20 homers in his three full major league seasons after showing power in the minors, as well.

The Rangers signed Geovany Soto earlier this offseason and named him the primary catcher. They explored other options, but didn't want to pay the high prices for catchers such as Brian McCann and Carlos Ruiz.

General manager Jon Daniels was asked about the position Wednesday as he met with the media prior to the winter meetings.

"We're looking for the best all-around fit," Daniels said. "We place a high value on durability. If Geo went down, we would want somebody who could step in and be an everyday guy."

Daniels made it clear that Soto would be the starter and that he would likely start at least 100 games, though nothing is set in stone. But with Arencibia, the Rangers would add someone who has power and, they hope, the ability to bounce back from a rough 2013 at the plate.